PC: Settlement with insurgents within reach

Talks are in progress with almost all insurgent groups in the Northeast and a settlement is within reach but a little more give and take was required,Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Tuesday.I am happy to report that almost all the militant groups are in talks with government interlocutors and settlement is within reach. A little more effort,a little more give and take and understanding would lead to a final settlement of the issues, Chidambaram said here.The government is ready to extend the hand of friendship and cordiality to all groups that want to resolve their problems through talks,Chidambaram said. We have made extraordinary efforts to hold out the hand of friendship to any person or organisation who comes forward to discuss their problems, he added.Stressing that the Northeast,which has a rich social and cultural heritage,has a special place in the country,the Home Minister said the region was poised to be a haven of peace of harmony.The region can be turned into a haven of peace and harmony a virtual paradise. A glorious future awaits Northeast, the minister said. Violence has no place in a democracy or republic. A modern society can be based on pluralism and diversity. One should respect the others identity and heritage. We must learn to live,work,build and prosper together, he said.

Chidambaram was in Shillong to review the passing out parade at the North Eastern Police Academy. He will visit the Loktak and Churachandpur district of Manipur on Wednesday.